LOOK: Anthony Rizzo honored by Cubs days after retiring, nearly catches home-run ball in bleachers at Wrigley

LOOK: Anthony Rizzo honored by Cubs days after retiring, nearly catches home-run ball in bleachers at Wrigley

Getty Images

Anthony Rizzo, the three-time All-Star first baseman who announced his retirement from Major League Baseball earlier this week, was honored on Saturday by the Chicago Cubs prior to and throughout their 5-4 loss versus the Tampa Bay Rays (box score).

The festivities began before the game, when the Cubs played the following tribute video:

Rizzo then threw out the ceremonial first pitch …

… and was part of an All-Star trio, alongside singer Eddie Vender and model Cindy Crawford, who came together to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch:

Oh, and Rizzo had one other memorable moment on Saturday. He took in the game from the bleachers, and he was nearly in the right place at the right time to secure Moisés Ballesteros’ first big-league home run in the bottom of the second inning. Take a look:

In Rizzo’s defense, he only ever appeared in one game as an outfielder. The angles are different out there.

Rizzo, 36 as of early August, spent 10 of his 14 big-league seasons with the Cubs. He hit .261/361/.467 (123 OPS+) with 303 home runs and 40.4 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference’s estimates. In addition to those aforementioned three All-Star Game appearances, he also won four Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger Award.

Should the Cubs retire Anthony Rizzo’s No. 44? Making the case for and against as the 2016 champion retires Matt SnyderRizzo will always have a place in Cubs franchise lore for other reasons. He secured the final out in the 2016 World Series against the now-Cleveland Guardians, ending Chicago’s 108-year championship drought.

In addition to the Cubs, Rizzo suited up for the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees, the latter of whom he spent three and a half seasons with. He was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox.

Rizzo is expected to serve as an ambassador to the Cubs organization.

Related Posts

🚨 MLB INSIDE RESET: The White Sox’s newly assembled coaching staff is raising quiet but serious questions across the league, as subtle hires, shifted responsibilities, and a clear change in philosophy hint at a deeper organizational reset. What looks like routine restructuring on the surface may actually signal a long term plan that hasn’t been fully explained yet — and insiders believe the real impact will only become clear once the season pressure hits.

The Chicago White Sox have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season following sweeping changes made at the end of September.

🚨 MLB INSIDE TRADE RUMBLINGS: The Braves are suddenly being linked to a bold trade for a $6 million NL rival left hander, a move insiders say could quietly solve multiple problems at once and even position him as a long term heir to Chris Sale. What looks like a low risk deal on paper may actually hide a far bigger plan, with Atlanta reportedly intrigued by a dynamic arsenal that hasn’t fully been unlocked yet — and the timing of this rumor is raising serious eyebrows across the league.

The Braves could go after a young star.

🚨 MLB INSIDE STORM BREWING: As hopes of an Alex Bregman return quietly fade, a new projection suggests the Red Sox may be preparing a jaw dropping $186 million swing for Bo Bichette, a move insiders believe could redefine Boston’s future in one bold stroke. What once seemed unrealistic is now gaining traction behind the scenes, and if this prediction turns real, the ripple effect could shock the AL East and completely change how this offseason is remembered.

A former MLB executive now believes that the Boston Red Sox will land coveted free agent infielder Bo Bichette from Toronto.

🚨 MLB INSIDE WHISPERS: Something big is quietly brewing behind closed doors in New York, as new projections hint the Yankees may be lining up an elite shortstop signing that goes far beyond a normal free-agency move. What started as a low-key prediction is now being viewed as a potential power shift, with insiders suggesting this decision could redefine the Yankees’ identity and force the entire American League to adjust sooner than expected.

The New York Yankees haven’t done much during the offseason, but MLB rumors continue to swirl. New York has been […]

Cubs Predicted To Land Marquee Free Agent Starting Pitcher On Six-Year Contract

The Cubs are in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, and David Schoenfield of ESPN predicted them to land Framber Valdez, previously of the Houston Astros.

🚨 INSIDE NFL REVELATION: The Packers reportedly had a stunning opportunity to sign an all time great for just $5 million, yet chose to walk away without even making a free agent offer — a quiet decision that is now raising serious questions inside the fanbase and league circles alike. What seemed insignificant at the time is suddenly being revisited as a potential turning point, with insiders suggesting this missed move could have changed far more than anyone realized.

Green Bay missed an opportunity.